Course Overview

Dr. Heiner Fruehauf's master class on Chinese herbal medicine deepens the lifelong learner’s mastery of herbal prescribing by rooting their understanding in classical principles and practices. It accommodates the needs and interests of all levels, from students of Chinese medicine and newer practitioners to seasoned practitioners who are ever-refining their capacity to successfully treat any condition presented in the clinic.

For each of eight major herb families, Heiner describes the energetic properties of the lead herb, common herb pairs, and the major herbal formulas. Case examples are presented to provide a clinical context for learning the indications for particular formulas within each family. With this base of knowledge, practitioners can stand on firm ground while being flexible in their ability to design herbal treatments that effectively treat the complex patterns manifesting in our increasingly out-of-balance world.

In this first session devoted to the Chaihu (Bupleurum) formula family, Heiner describes the energetic properties of Chaihu as a chief herb, and provides participants with a working knowledge of the qualities of and indications for the pairings of Chaihu with Banxia (Pinellia) and Guizhi (Cinnamon). Clinical insights are provided into the following associated formulas: Xiao Chaihu Tang, Chaihu Guizhi Tang and Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiang Tang.

Course Objectives

• Describe the energetic properties and actions of Chaihu, with a special consideration on dosages.
• Discuss the Shaoyang system and associated disorders.
• Discuss the indications for, and the energetic properties and actions of the common herb pairings of Chaihu and Banxia, and Chaihu and Guizhi.
• Discuss Xiao Chaihu Tang as a base formula in the Chaihu formula family. Include historical context, structure, dosages, indications and typical applications, including some possible modifications.
• Discuss Chaihu Guizhi Tang and Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiang Tang. Include historical context, structure, dosages, indications and typical applications, including some possible modifications.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 30 minThe energetic properties and actions of Chaihu as a chief herb are discussed. Dosage considerations are emphasized. This discussion includes a general introduction to the Shaoyang system and associated disorders.

30 min - 1 hrsThe pairing of Chaihu with Banxia, and Xiao Chaihu Tang, one of the most frequently prescribed Chinese herbal formulas throughout time. Includes historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.

1 hrs - 1.25 hrsHeiner continues his discussion of Xiao Chaihu Tang. He focuses on case examples using this versatile formula.

1.25 hrs - 1.5 hrsThe properties of Chaihu and Guizhi as a common herb pair are discussed. The associated formula Chaihu Guizhi Tang is introduced.

1.5 hrs - 2 hrsThe formulas Chaihu Guizhi Tang and Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiang Tang are discussed. Included are historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.

2 hrs - 2.5 hrsThe final 30 minutes will be devoted to a question and answer period. Questions will be selected from those posted in the zoom chat based on relevance for the whole group.